West Nile virus confirmed here

By Lisa Majors-Duff

The dead bird was taken to the county Department of Public Health early last week, said Director Randall Turpin. From there it was sent to the State Laboratory of Public Health in Raleigh, where tests confirmed the bird carried the virus.

Since blue jays are migratory by nature, narrowing down exactly where the bird came into contact with the virus is nearly impossible, Turpin said.

The virus, which is transmitted from bird to bird, can infect humans bitten by a mosquito that has also bitten an infected bird. Direct contact with infected birds is not known to put people at risk. (See related story page 4C.)

While 32 people in the United States are believed to have died from West Nile this year, no human cases of the virus have been diagnosed in North Carolina, officials say.

West Nile virus may cause flu-like symptoms in humans, such as headache, swollen glands and muscle aches, as well as rash. The virus usually causes a mild reaction in humans, but in rare cases it may cause encephalitis and even death. Those at risk of death from West Nile include the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.

Jackson is one of five North Carolina counties added to the list of locations infected birds have already been discovered. Other recent additions are Henderson, Orange, Currituck and Warren counties. Earlier this summer the virus was found in birds in Alamance, Alexander, Burke, Cabarrus, Catawba, Durham, Gaston, Gates, Guilford, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Surry and Wake counties.

Since mosquitos are known to transmit West Nile to humans, Turpin said he hopes everyone will take responsibility for emptying stagnant water sources - the means through which the insects reproduce - around their homes.

"If we can do that on an individual level, we can keep (the virus) at bay," Turpin said.

In addition to the obvious places water can collect - like tires, buckets, birdbaths and rain gutters - flower pots with collection basins can also serve as mosquito breeding areas, said Turpin. Likewise, individuals collecting rain water because of the current drought situation should cover containers with screens and dispose of these supplies every three days.

Since daily activities can take people away from home, the state Department of Health and Human Services has advised North Carolinians to be "diligent in protecting themselves against mosquito bites."

"Insect repellants containing DEET are the most effective mosquito repellants on the market," said state health Director Leah Devlin. "When used properly, along with other steps - such as wearing light-colored, long-sleeved tops and long pants, avoiding mosquito-infested areas and staying indoors at dawn and dusk - repellants are a good way to minimize the risk of mosquito bites."

Additional guidelines posted with the statešs warning include:

Children under 6 months of age - Do not use repellents on babies under 6 months old; instead, use other methods of protection, like dressing infants in long-sleeved shirts and pants and placing mesh covers on strollers.

Children ages 6 months to 2 years - Use one application per day of a DEET product sparingly (not on the hands or face) and only in situations where children are at risk for bites. After returning indoors, wash the childšs treated skin with soap and water.

Children ages 3 to 12 years - Use DEET product for this age group no more than three times per day, again not on the hands or face. After returning indoors, wash the childšs treated skin with soap and water.

Children age 13 through adults - Apply DEET product sparingly as directed. To apply to face, spray on hands first and rub on face. After returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water.

While further testing on dead birds found locally is not necessary, Turpin continued to encourage anyone who finds dead crows, jays, hawks and owls to report their findings.

"We would like to know and keep a local record," he said.

In addition to contacting the local health department, residents may call the statešs Public Health Pest Management Section at 1-877-790-1747 or send an e-mail to NCWNV@NCmail.net. An online form for reporting dead birds is also available at www.deh.enr.state.nc.us/phpm/deadbirdform/index.html.

Back to Archive: 09/12/02.